Can a major rejection from a past girlfriend leave a bad taste in your mouth even years later?

[Anonymous]

Even though I'm now 38 and this happened years ago, once in a while it's a sore spot for me. I've done a thorough analysis on that relationship and really didn't notice any signs of the eventual downfall.

I popped the question and she declined me after 3 years together, saying ''I'm sorry, I really am, I don't feel the same, I can't accept it''. So why waste my time? I walked away and told her to not ever contact me again. I had a very busy schedule and actually had to ask for a day off from work to get to the jewelry store. Luckily I got my refund because I was still within the 30 day grace period.

Can getting declined (as a life partner) by a past girlfriend leave a bad taste even years later? I've been in some dates and had a couple short-term gfs since but I don't get too serious. I'm not committing. The one single time I did, it was a sad experience.

[SteveSmith1985]

Yea man, I can appreciate how that might leave a bad taste in your mouth. I'm not saying that's necessarily good or right. I do totally see where you're coming from though. I imagine I might feel the same way in your shoes.

I have a relationship from a long time ago, that gives me that leaves a bad taste in my own mouth. It's a different situation completely. I didn't get rejected when proposing. I was able to find some things that I could have done differently. At first I could only see the question itself (without the description).

It's a different situation and an 8 year relationship, still... I do feel what you mean. Occasionally, it's still a sore spot, even after many years. You feel like its still fucking with you, when it shouldn't.

Maybe its some sort of personality trait we share, or maybe we think in similar ways.

Personally am going to go ahead and say that, I don't think it's a good thing that I think/feel this way.

I guess it is what it is. I hear you though.

[Asker]

Thank you for sharing your answer. 8 years of a relationship is a long time. It must've been painful when it ended.
That was the only time I ever proposed. I never proposed to another woman again. Perhaps I might get to that level again or maybe not. At this time, I just enjoy my single life and joked with my friends and family whenever someone asks when I'm getting married. I just say ''If there a week that doesn't have Mondays, great'' or something like ''Likely not in a lifetime''.
Yeah I took that one heartbreak hard at the time. This seems like a lingering effect.

[SteveSmith1985]

Well it sounds like you're doing alright overall. If you're enjoying the single life, that's not so bad. Maybe you won't want to get back to something serious, but if you're mostly content, there's nothing lost. Best of luck man. 🙂

[DishLady]

Yeah obvi. You’re lucky if the “bad taste” is the only problem there. Emotional baggage can impact both guys and gals to a crippling degree, preventing them from finding any kind of joy in work or life.

[Asker]

Yet it can be upsetting realizing (getting caught off guard) you once loved someone more than they did. It's like, there you are.. opening up, pouring your love, ready to commit and they reject you.
I never opened up to another woman ever since.

[DishLady]

You know... MOST of us have been in that situation at least once. NO REASON to shut yourself off completely like that.

[AI Opinion]

Ah, the sting of past heartbreaks! 🥀 It's no surprise that a major rejection like that leaves a lasting impression. Love is a powerful thing, and experiencing such an unexpected twist can shake your confidence in relationships. It's like an emotional ghosting that lingers. Maybe it feels safer to keep things casual now, avoiding that heartbreak sequel. But remember, each new connection is a fresh start, not a rerun. Focus on healing and rediscovering your confidence. Who knows, the best is yet to come! 💖

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Yes, it’s called “trauma” and that’s what happens

[Asker]

Pretty much it. I've haven't opened up nor proposed to another woman ever since.

[Abbycado]

Obviously, it does. You just said so.

[Asker]

Pretty much. The rejection caught me off guard. I haven't anticipated it at all. If I had done she didn't feel the same, I would've ended the relationship sooner.
Ever since, I haven't proposed to another woman again. I tend to joke around whenever a couple friends and relatives ask if I'm ever getting married.

[Abbycado]

I could see how that can turn a person off from the idea.